Texas Women’s Basketball Coach Vic Schaefer wins 2025 SEC Coach of the Year, edging out top contenders like Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Georgia coaches.

In the competitive world of college basketball, particularly in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the distinction of SEC Coach of the Year carries significant weight. It recognizes not only the coaching acumen of the recipient but also the success and resilience demonstrated by their team over the course of a challenging season. In 2025, Texas Women’s Basketball Coach Vic Schaefer earned this prestigious honor, a remarkable achievement that highlights both his tactical brilliance and his ability to inspire and lead his players to new heights.

This victory didn’t come easy, as Schaefer was up against several formidable coaching competitors, including Notre Dame’s head coach, South Carolina’s legendary coach, and Georgia’s own coach. All of these coaches brought exceptional teams to the court in 2025, but it was Schaefer who emerged victorious in the race for SEC Coach of the Year.

In this article, we’ll delve into Schaefer’s journey to this well-deserved honor, his coaching philosophy, the factors that led to his success at Texas, and why his leadership has been so impactful on the Texas Women’s Basketball team.

Schaefer’s Journey to Texas: A Legacy of Success

Before taking over the helm at Texas, Vic Schaefer had already established himself as one of the top minds in women’s college basketball. Schaefer’s career has been defined by success at both the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and Mississippi State, where he was credited with building programs into national contenders. At Mississippi State, Schaefer helped lead the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

When Schaefer was hired by Texas in 2020, he inherited a talented roster but one that had underperformed in recent seasons compared to the program’s high expectations. Texas, known for its storied basketball history and its passionate fan base, needed a coach capable of elevating the program to championship contention. Schaefer, with his experience, tactical prowess, and a reputation for getting the best out of his players, was the perfect fit for the job.

In his first seasons at Texas, Schaefer worked tirelessly to instill a culture of discipline, hard work, and, most importantly, team-first mentality. His defensive schemes were a hallmark of his coaching style, and he quickly garnered a reputation for turning the Texas defense into one of the most difficult to break down in the nation. But Schaefer’s impact went beyond just the defense. He worked to develop the skills of his players on both ends of the court, emphasizing versatility and teamwork, all while fostering an environment of mutual respect and accountability.

The 2025 Season: Texas Rises to the Top

The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Texas Women’s Basketball, as Schaefer’s leadership began to bear fruit in the form of a dominant and cohesive team. Throughout the season, the Longhorns were a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, a conference that routinely features some of the best teams in women’s basketball.

The Texas Women’s Basketball team’s success in 2025 can be attributed to several factors, including standout performances from key players, an improved offensive strategy, and, most importantly, Schaefer’s ability to get the best out of his team. Under his guidance, Texas finished with an impressive record, outplaying several higher-ranked teams and showing their resilience in close games.

One of the key storylines for the Longhorns in 2025 was their defense. Schaefer’s defensive schemes, which had always been a hallmark of his coaching career, were fully realized this season. Texas’ defense stifled opposing offenses, and Schaefer’s ability to make in-game adjustments was a significant part of their success. The Longhorns’ ability to lock down their opponents and dictate the pace of the game gave them an edge over other teams in the SEC.

Schaefer also worked tirelessly to develop the team’s offensive game. While defense is often the focal point of Schaefer’s coaching philosophy, he understands that success requires balance. Under his tutelage, Texas improved its offensive execution, developing a potent fast-break offense and better movement in the half-court sets. The team found a rhythm offensively, and their ability to score efficiently took their game to the next level.

However, the heart of Texas’ success in 2025 lay in the way Schaefer instilled a mentality of unity and togetherness in his players. His ability to manage personalities, foster chemistry, and create a collective sense of purpose was crucial. Schaefer’s leadership extended beyond the X’s and O’s; he knew how to motivate his players and inspire them to work together as a cohesive unit.

Top Competitors: Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Georgia

While Schaefer’s achievement in winning SEC Coach of the Year is impressive on its own, it becomes even more remarkable when you consider the level of competition he faced for the award. The 2025 SEC season was loaded with elite coaching talent, and several of Schaefer’s rivals were deserving of the award as well.

Notre Dame’s Coach: Notre Dame Women’s Basketball coach, often recognized for her ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop championship-caliber teams, was another coach in the running for SEC Coach of the Year. Notre Dame had a stellar season under her leadership, with impressive victories and consistent performances against tough competition. Yet, despite the Fighting Irish’s success, Schaefer’s ability to take Texas to the next level in the SEC set him apart.

South Carolina’s Coach: South Carolina’s coach, one of the most respected names in women’s college basketball, was another strong contender for the award. With a team brimming with talent, South Carolina had an outstanding season and continued to be one of the top teams in the country. However, Schaefer’s Texas squad—playing in a highly competitive conference like the SEC—impressed voters with their balanced approach and dominance on both sides of the court.

Georgia’s Coach: Georgia’s head coach, known for her tactical ability and her team’s consistency, also had a stellar year in 2025. The Georgia Bulldogs were in contention throughout the season, showcasing impressive performances against high-ranked teams. However, Schaefer’s ability to develop a dynamic defense and build a versatile offensive attack gave Texas the edge in the eyes of voters.

Ultimately, Schaefer’s unique blend of coaching talent, leadership, and ability to motivate his team propelled him to the top in the race for the SEC Coach of the Year award. His impact on the Texas Women’s Basketball program was undeniable, and his success in such a competitive conference solidified his standing as one of the brightest coaching minds in the sport.

Schaefer’s Coaching Philosophy: Defense, Discipline, and Development

At the core of Vic Schaefer’s success is his coaching philosophy, which focuses on three main pillars: defense, discipline, and player development.

Defense: Schaefer is known for his emphasis on defense, which he believes is the foundation for building a championship-level team. His defensive schemes are designed to make life difficult for opposing offenses, using pressure, quick rotations, and disruptive tactics. Texas’ defense in 2025 was one of the best in the SEC, and it helped them secure key victories.

Discipline: Schaefer demands discipline both on and off the court. His teams are known for their mental toughness and their ability to execute game plans without wavering under pressure. Schaefer fosters an environment where players understand their roles and execute them with precision.

Player Development: Finally, Schaefer’s success as a coach can be attributed to his commitment to developing players. He doesn’t just focus on the stars—he works to improve every player on the roster, ensuring that the team operates as a cohesive unit. Schaefer’s ability to elevate his players’ skills and instill a winning mentality has been a key to Texas’ success under his leadership.

Looking Forward: The Future of Texas Women’s Basketball

With Schaefer at the helm, the future of Texas Women’s Basketball looks incredibly bright. His success in the SEC and his ability to build a championship-contending team have set the stage for continued growth. As Schaefer continues to recruit top talent and develop his players, Texas is poised to remain a force in women’s college basketball.

The 2025 SEC Coach of the Year award is just one milestone in what promises to be a long and successful coaching career for Vic Schaefer. His impact on the Texas program, and on women’s basketball in general, is undeniable, and his leadership will continue to shape the future of the team for years to come.